Dive into JAI Restaurant Group’s growth and legacy as a passion-driven, philanthropic franchise leader
Founded in 2007 by Owner, Chairman, and entrepreneur Jhonny Mercado, JAI Restaurant Group was established on one simple but powerful core principle: passion. Over the last 19 years, what began as a vision has grown into a thriving restaurant group with more than 4000 employees and locations spanning five states. Today, JAI Restaurant Group is the proud operator of 105 Wendy’s and Taco Bell locations, all structured around the same values of quality, consistency, and – most importantly – joy. Throughout the company’s evolution, it has upheld a belief that “dining is more than just a meal: it’s a moment – a moment to enjoy great food, warm service, and meaningful connections”.
When Jhonny Mercado and his business partner, Andres Garcia, created JAI Restaurant Group almost 20 years ago, they were no strangers to the restaurant industry. Both began their journey in 1998 when they joined the Wendy’s family, operating several units across Venezuela. Those early years shaped the leadership philosophy that would be crucial to JAI Restaurant Group’s success, centered around operational excellence, strong team culture, and an unwavering commitment to brand standards. Less than ten years later, the two took a significant step by entering the US market and purchasing three Wendy’s sites in Miami, Florida, under a new business, JAI International Investment. This move marked an evolutionary shift for the company – a new era that would change its trajectory. As well as signifying the official founding of JAI Restaurant Group, these three locations were the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy that would quickly stretch across multiple states and decades.
Growth trajectory
As JAI Restaurant Group grew, so did its reputation. The company continued to acquire and operate an increasing number of Wendy’s locations throughout the United States, all while maintaining its presence in Venezuela and Panama. By 2012, just five years after its US debut, the business had acquired 34 restaurants, growing its presence there sevenfold. 2014 marked another major milestone in JAI Restaurant Group’s journey as it merged with another Wendy’s franchisee, WenRod, and, by the time 2021 rolled around, the company owned and operated more than 225 Wendy’s restaurants across Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. By this point, JAI Restaurant Group had firmly established itself as a key player in the Wendy’s corporation. With its passionate leadership, people-first culture, and unwavering emphasis on operational excellence, the company had grown to be the fifth-largest Wendy’s franchise organization in the US and had garnered a stellar reputation among the wider industry.
In 2023, JAI Restaurant Group scaled its empire to new heights by acquiring 20 Taco Bell restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia, diversifying and broadening its offering and guest reach. Now, the company continues to grow, delighting more customers and further consolidating its network year on year. Customers who visit a JAI Restaurant Group location can enjoy the best that its two iconic brands have to offer, from classic favorites to bold flavors and the comfort of familiar meals done right – all delivered with exceptional service every time.
Making a difference
While growth and performance continue to drive JAI Restaurant Group’s success, its mission extends far beyond its restaurant walls. Community engagement and philanthropy run through the heart of the company and, with its vast and wide-reaching network, JAI Restaurant Group is passionate about driving real impact. Indeed, Jhonny Mercado embodies the legacy of Wendy’s Founder, Dave Thomas – not only through his commitment to quality but through his deep dedication to giving back.
In fact, Jhonny has been supporting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption for many years. Through its signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, the charity provides funding to adoption agencies to help find permanent homes and families for children waiting in the US foster care systems. Since its founding in 1992, the foundation has united over 9500 children with their forever homes across the US, including teenagers, siblings, and children with additional needs. Jhonny’s commitment to the Dave Thomas Foundation has helped to change the lives of thousands and led to him being appointed to the charity’s Board of Trustees. A key pillar in both the Wendy’s organization and the Dave Thomas Foundation, Jhonny has been praised for his leadership, experience, and philanthropic heart as a natural extension of the brand’s values – the broader belief that successful businesses have a responsibility to strengthen the communities that they serve and the power to make a real difference.
Passion, purpose, and people
In 2026, JAI Restaurant Group continues to stand as a testament to what can be achieved when passion, purpose, and people come together. From its roots in Venezuela to a growing presence across the United States, the company has remained grounded in its founding values while embracing innovation and opportunity.
Looking to the future, JAI Restaurant Group remains well-positioned for continued growth and success. As the company moves onto its next chapter – and ever-closer to its 20th anniversary milestone – it remains committed to honoring the legacy of its brands, investing in its locations and people.
At its heart, JAI Restaurant Group is more than a restaurant operator; it is a family-built organization fueled by passion, driven by purpose, and united by a shared belief that great food can bring people together and make a lasting difference: one guest, meal, and community at a time.